Tracy, of Wisbech, is hoping to lose three stone in five months and feels now is the right time to lose the weight after years of problems.

Said Tracy: “I started dieting in my late teens when I wasn’t even overweight. Like a lot of young girls, I wanted to be a model but instead made myself ill. I ended up having panic attacks and suffering from bulimia.”

Six years ago, Tracy (pictured right) became seriously ill and underweight and needed an emergency operation to remove a kidney. Her recovery was then hampered when she suffered a secondary infection.

“Spending a lot of time resting after my operation saw me getting very depressed and piling on the weight. If anything, my experiences have made me stronger,” said Tracy, adding the formation of her Cat Haven charity has made her realise there are more important things in life to worry about.

“The charity can be very stressful and heart-breaking but also very rewarding,” said Tracy, whose Cat Haven rescues cats and also looks after many cats which cannot be re-homed.

“I’m ready to lose the weight now because I know I can be sensible about it.”

Tracy is appealing to Citizen readers to sponsor or even join in the slim. All the money raised goes to the Cat Haven, which recently opened a shop in Wisbech’s Hill Street.

The shop sells bric-a-brac, books, puzzles and clothes and is in need of more men’s and ladies clothes. Anyone with items should take them to the shop.

To sponsor Tracy or join her slim contact her on 07534-375651.